The Bush Doctor

Two days ago i went past a friend of mine in St.Georges Mall, Carlo Randall, the Bush Doctor. As per usual we exchange greetings and recent developments and news about mutual friends and most importantly plans for the future.

Carlo has had his stall in the mall for at least 5 years now, and is a regular stopping point on my many walks through the city. He has travelled extensively through Southern Africa, and it was on his journey that he discovered his passion of healing, and the connection that the herb lore that he found so fascinating was the product of knowledge passed down from the San people ( Bushmen) who boasts one of the oldest cultures on the planet.

Carlo Randall, BUsh Doctor.

In Cape Town, on the Grand Parade for example, the market that existed from the beginnings of the city, one can find an old lady who also sells indigenous medicinal herbs, who was taught by her mother, and her mothe and her mother …. The herbs one finds in Cape Town and surrounds come from the Floral Kindom known as Fynbos. I say Floral Kingdom as it is a singular Floral Kingdom all on its own, 1 of Six in the entire world, and it is located only in the Western Cape!

Buchu Bunches.

Buchu (Boegoe) is from the same group that the now world famous Rooibos tea is from. Used predominantly as a tea, for various conditions including Kidney and Urinary Tract infections, Rheumatism, loss of appetite and to aid digestion. It can also be used externally when soaked in vinegar as a poultice.

Wild Mountain Garlic.

Anti inflammatory bulbs of intense smelling garlic. They can also be sliced up and steeped to make a potent if not vicious smelling tea that will be as good for you as it is strong smelling. I used to cook with it, as a confirmed lover of garlic, but word to the wise would be the recommendation to , once cut, seal it in a original tupperware TM. [:)!] container, and then wrap that in cling plastic, and that in a brown paper bag, and that in a black plastic bag! The Wild mountain garlic is good for using to stave off colds and flu’s (as well as vampires!) , chest infections, rheumatism and is known to improve blood circulation.

Traditional Packaging.

In today’s age we have, as humanity drifted far from the natural and available remedies and medicines that our forefathers depended on, and perhaps its time that we start re integrating the philosophy of natural healing into our lives.

African Incense. Mphepo.

Traditionally used to purify a space from unfriendly spirits, to celebrate the beginning of a new venture, Mphepo is also know to be very good for conditions related to the Central Nervous System, Stomach Ulcers, Bladder problems, and general relaxation.